Car Complaints UK - Complaints Against A Car Dealer

Have you been sold a dodgy car and the car dealer is refusing to repair it or accept the rejection?

You’re not alone. It won’t surprise you to know car manufacturers and car dealerships complaints to citizen advice, trading standards and car dealership ombudsman about broken down cars, signs of a failing gearbox, mechatronic, DPF and EGR valve problems are higher than ever.

Of course, it’s possible you’ve bought the vehicle from a dodgy trader, but usually the reason for dealership complaints and refusing to refund is because of a misunderstanding of the law surrounding used car sales and incorrect advice from inexperienced motor trade law firms.

It is not always straightforward dealing with car complaints with the car seller or the car dealer ombudsman, as often the seller will know more about the technical aspects of the vehicle and will have dealt with a number of complaints, whereas you’re out of your comfort zone.

Getting professional legal advice early on can save a lot of headaches.

Experts in Car Dealer Complaints

If you have had cause to complain about a car dealership who to refuses accept rejection or declined liability for a repair, getting the right advice and strategy is vital.

We are expert specialist car lawyers, widely recognised as a top law firm in the automotive and vehicle lawyer sector, both in the UK and internationally.

Our experience

From automotive manufacturer and the franchise dealer network to the motor trade, car finance and accident repair industry, we have in-depth, first hand and specialist expertise across the sector. We:

• Delivered successful results in cases involving the sale of luxury vehicles including Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz , Audi and BMW.

• Are instructed to advise on car cases involving supercars, including Aston Martin, Bugatti Veyron and Chiron, Ferrari 458, 488, Portofino, 550, 360, F12, Testarossa, Lamborghini Murcielago, Huracan and Aventador, Porsche 911 turbo and 918 Spyder cars.

• Provided legal compliance training for BMW UK.

• Delivered results and advised on cases involving classic car restoration disputes involving Ferrari, Porshe 993 Turbo, E-Type Jaguar, Triumph TR6, Bentley, Aston Martin V8, Mk 1 Range Rover and AC Bristol.

• Settled disputed title claims involving for example an E-Type Jaguar and Mk 1 Escort Mexico.

Tailored Legal Solutions

The majority of cases are resolved on the evidence out of court, but the devil is in the detail and strategy is everything. Whether representing private clients, collectors or dealers, we use our mechanical engineering and vehicle accident repair expertise, enabling us to provide bespoke advice and strategies to bring your complaint to a successful conclusion.

The Motor Ombudsman

The Motor Ombudsman provides Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to its motor trade members and their customers with dealership complaints about the quality of a vehicle, an issue with your car, or the services provided. Approximately 40% of car dealers in the UK are signed up to the Motor Ombudsman, the remaining 60% are not.

However, there are limitations to their abilities, for example, the Motor Ombudsman cannot deal with your complaint if it involves a vehicle bought by way of finance. This is because your contract is with the finance company, and the Financial Ombudsman Service has exclusive jurisdiction to bind the car finance company to accept its decisions.

What if you’re not happy with the Motor Ombudsman’s decision or outcome?

Motor Ombudsman complaint handling can take a long time and even when you get the decision it may not be the one you’re looking for. This doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road, and a second opinion can prove invaluable.

If you’re unsure about the legal basis of your case, or the strength of the dealer’s case or evidence, expert legal advice can put your mind at rest.